Post-Op Instructions

Root Canal Therapy

Soreness is expected after a root canal. To ease the pain, you can take Ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, Motrin) 400 mg four times a day at regular intervals. Tylenol can be a substitute in case you have a gastrointestinal disorder. Avoid Aspirin, as it might increase bleeding in the treated area.You should chew on the opposite side of the tooth that was treated until the area is permanently restored with a crown or permanent filling. Avoid chewing gum, caramels, and candy. If you feel increasing pain or loss of filling, you need to contact your dentist immediately.

Crowns and Bridges

Avoid any chewing until the numbness caused by anesthesia wears off completely, as you might bite or burn your tongue or lip. Taking some ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil, 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed) before the anesthetic completely wears off is recommended. This will help reduce swelling or pain at the injection sites where your anesthetic was administered. Since the gum tissue around the prepared teeth may have soreness for several days, you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce pain and swelling. Your tooth may feel sensitive to temperature, sweets, or biting. This normally subsides in a few days. However, if the sensitivity is severe and lingers, you are advised to contact your clinic for an evaluation.Refrain from eating anything sticky, hard or chewy as this may pull the temporary off or break it. You should be careful while brushing. Do not floss adjacent to the temporary as this might dislodge it. Once the permanent restoration is placed, you may brush and floss normally.

White Fillings (Bonding)

After the anesthesia wears off, your teeth will be sensitive. Avoid eating any food or drink that is too hot or cold for the next few days. Over time, your treated teeth will feel as good as new. Maintain your normal hygiene plan to make your fillings long lasting.

Scaling and Root Planing

You can start your prescribed oral hygiene regime immediately. However, make every effort to ensure that your mouth remains plaque free. After treatment, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe the soreness. Sensitivity to cold or touch may temporarily occur. Removing all plaque from the tooth surfaces and brushing with a fluoride toothpaste will reduce or eliminate sensitivity in a day or two.Take soft meals only, while avoiding hard, gritty foods for at least 3-4 days. Also,avoid hot, spicy foods and alcohol for at least a day.While slight bleedingfor several hours following the procedure is normal, contact your dentist if it persists. If at all possible, refrain from smoking for 24 hours or longer after scaling and root planning procedures. Tobacco use slows down healing.Avoid jogging and sporting activities for a few days.

Veneers

A temporary is an acrylic or composite veneer that is placed on the prepared teeth for protection while the permanent, porcelain veneers are under construction in the lab. The temporary is placed with cement that is designed to come off easily, so avoid chewing sticky foods such as gum or taffy. Using toothbrush to clean the temporary as you normally do your other teeth is advised, just as you can also do flossing with a lot of care of course. Sensitivity, especially to cold, commonly occurs for a time following treatment.For the first few days avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. If your gums have become tender due to re-contouring during the treatment, it’s advisable to rinse with warm salt water. Analgesics like Tylenol or Advil will also make you more comfortable.

Extractions

After an extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why you should bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after extraction. If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another thirty minutes. Once the blood clot forms it is important to protect it especially for the next 24 hours. So avoid smoking, sucking through a straw,rinsing your mouth vigorously, or cleaning the teeth next to the extraction site. After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and have some swelling. You can use an ice bag to keep this to a minimum. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. Gently rinse your mouth with salt water three times a day beginning the day after the extraction. Also, rinsing gently after meals helps keep food out of the extraction site.